The condition of a crumbling eyesore on Gateshead High Street could be deteriorating, a local businessman has warned.

Situated at the far end of the street, away from the glitzy Trinity Square development, the derelict old building, that used to be the Bed Shed, continues to stand.

A Gateshead Council spokesperson said the eventual plan for the building is to demolish it as part of the long term re-development of the high street but a fixed timescale for that work has not been announced.

The local authority also insisted the building is structurally safe despite appearances.

Ian Murray who Co owns G Murray domestic appliance center on High Street South, Gateshead and is worried about the safety of the building next door to his business (Image: Newcastle Chronicle)

Ian Murray, 56, runs Murray’s Domestic Appliances, a family business which has operated out of the building directly next door to The former Bed Shed for 47 years.

The council have bought up premises on the street to pave the way for future redevelopment but Mr Murray has been in a long-running dispute over the sale of his business, with the two parties yet to agree on a price.

He said he feared that, rather than the building being demolished, it would eventually just fall down.

More than just being an eyesore, Mr Murray said he thought the building could pose a threat to the public, with a gap appearing to have opened up between the front wall and the rest of the structure.

Picture taken from the roof of a local business which he claims shows the old Bed Shed on Gateshead High Street isn't safe. Gateshead Council insist it is

He said:“I was up on the roof about six weeks ago because we had a leak.

“My friend who was helping pointed it out and said ‘have you seen the state of that’.

“There’s this sizeable gap which just doesn’t look safe and he works in demolition so knows what he’s talking about.